Title: The Use of Labels in Doctrinal History: Comment on Baird
Abstract: In his lively and provocative paper, Charles Baird seeks to establish that “the economics of James Buchanan has much in common with modern Austrian economics.” I am prepared to agree that Baird has succeeded—almost completely—in proving the validity ofhis claim. Although one may wish to quibble on matters of detail, there can be little doubt that Baird has learnedly and skillfully demonstrated that Buchanan sharesmany ifnot all ofthe fundamental economic insights generally held tobe characteristic ofthe contemporary Austrian revival. Some questions, however, do remain, especially those pertaining to Baird’s section on political economy. In particular, is there really an “Austrian position” on the appropriate constitution for government? And are Hayek’s and Buchanan’s views on this question part oftheir economics? Beyond congratulating Baird on his sensitive and insightful survey ofAustrian ideas, the reader must surely be inclined towonder what the author wishes us to conclude from the demonstrated validity of his claim. Is it intended that one’s judgment on who are the modern Austrians be revised to include so eminent a scholar as Buchanan? Or is it rather intended that card-carryingAustrians be persuaded to dissolve what others have seen as an overly self-conscious “priesthood,” and even to discontinue using the label “Austrian,” (since what was held to be characteristically Austrian has been shown now tobe part ofthe well-understood doctrinal equipment of a prominent non-Austrian)? At the very least Baird’s paper is to be appreciated as a provocation to reconsider the use of traditional labels in doctrinal history. This issue is by no means a new one for Austrian economics. About a halfcentury ago, Austrians such as Mises, Hayek, and Machlttp all main-
Publication Year: 1989
Publication Date: 1989-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 4
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